ENGIE has completed work to improve and upgrade homes in West Rainton, Co Durham.

Work to replace roofs, repairs walls and improve footpaths on more than 100 Believe Housing homes was halted when the coronavirus pandemic began. All the homes were quickly made safe and secure, when lockdown began. However, just three weeks since work was able to restart, the last of the homes has now been completed.

Charles Tyers, Building Surveyor at Believe Housing, said: "When we started this project in January, we obviously had no idea of the delays we’d face due to the coronavirus pandemic. I can’t thank our customers in West Rainton enough for their patience and understanding.


"Now that outdoor work on homes can be carried out safely within government guidelines, we’re looking forward to seeing some serious progress with our improvement programme."

Believe Housing's 10-year, £138m improvement programme is designed to make homes cheaper to run and ensure high-quality affordable housing provision in communities stretching from rural Weardale to the Durham coast. In addition to the home improvements, environmental work is also being carried out in many areas. The whole refurbishment project is being carried out in partnership with regeneration and energy specialist, ENGIE.

Jonathan Horner, Refurbishment Director at ENGIE, said: "It's definitely been a challenging few months for all and I'd like to thank believe housing and all their residents for their patience and support.

"We're pleased to be able to continue our programme of improvement works, where it is safe to do so, and are delighted to hear the positive impact that these upgrades are already having on residents and the local community."